In a previous post http://tracemyorigin.com/2012/03/tombstone-tuesday-im-ready-now/ I shared the heart breaking story of the death of little Horace Miller Clarke, 5 year old. The chilling inscription on his tombstone simply stated “I’m ready now.” Intrigued by the three simple words I continued researching and found this telltale article regarding his death:

THE FORKED DEER BLADE JACKSON,TENNESSEE SATURDAY JUNE 11,1887

LITTLE MILLER..five year old son of Mr.& Mrs.HORACE N.CLARK, died in Milan Monday and was buried Tuesday. Rev.Dr.WEAVER conducting the services, Before the little sufferer died he called his mother and father, grandfather and grandmother (Mr.& Mrs.MILLER) to his bedside, and after kissing each one good bye, said,”now I’m ready to go.” “Angels were waitiing to receive him and his pure soul took its flight.” A special train went up from Jackson carrying a large number of friends of Mr.& Mrs.CLARK, who wished to attend the funeral. Mr.W.D.ROBINSON, the undertaker,went up Monday afternoon and embalmed the body, and was as expected, its appearance was not charged up to the time of the funeral. The little child looked as lifelike as if he had only fallen asleep. Mr.ROBINSON had charge of the funeral and cars were provided on which he carried his horses, carriages and elegant white hearse, and after the funeral, they were returned to Jackson the same way.